Director of Operations

First Hospitality, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Chicago, is a progressive hotel development, investment, and management company known for its strategic vision focused on excellence and innovation. The company emphasizes creating value for all stakeholders by embracing an open-minded approach to operations and management. First Hospitality prides itself on cultivating a diverse, high-performing workforce where differences are respected and valued, supporting an inclusive workplace environment that fosters collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. As an equal opportunity employer, First Hospitality is committed to building teams that meet the diverse needs of the guests and communities it serves.

The Director of Operations role at First Hospitality is a pivotal leadership position within the hotel’s management structure, reporting directly to the General Manager. This role carries comprehensive responsibility for overseeing the Rooms Division, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Guest Services, and valet coordination, while acting as the main liaison between the hotel and First Hospitality’s centralized accounting and finance teams. The Director of Operations ensures seamless execution of daily operational functions while maintaining financial accountability and supporting the hotel’s overall performance objectives.

This position requires strategic leadership to drive guest satisfaction by championing the "Associates First" culture, fostering an engaging and inclusive workplace, and developing high-performing teams through effective recruitment, coaching, and mentorship. The Director of Operations also leads efforts to enhance the guest experience by monitoring and improving service quality, operational efficiencies, staffing, and labor productivity. The role demands a hands-on hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces accountability, and demonstrates a commitment to operational excellence and financial stewardship.

In addition to managing day-to-day operations, the Director of Operations takes a lead role in financial and administrative activities, serving as the primary on-property liaison for accounting processes such as invoice management, revenue reconciliation, petty cash administration, and month-end closing activities. This position supports critical financial controls and works closely with department leaders to ensure budget adherence and optimize operational performance.

Strategically, the Director partners with sales, revenue management, food and beverage, engineering, and corporate support teams to align hotel objectives with operational strategies. They analyze operational and financial data to identify trends and opportunities, contributing to the hotel’s profitability through improved labor management, expense controls, and guest satisfaction initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in hotel leadership, preferably with experience in Hilton brands and working within boutique, lifestyle, or full-service hotels. They possess a comprehensive understanding of hotel financial management, including accounting and reporting systems, and demonstrate proficiency with technology tools such as Microsoft Office and hotel property management systems. A bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is preferred, though a combination of education and experience is also considered.

This role is designed for an experienced, emotionally intelligent leader who can balance service excellence with financial performance and lead multiple departments with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement. The Director of Operations must maintain strong visibility and accessibility in the hotel, ensure compliance with brand and company policies, and provide leadership during all shifts, including acting as Manager on Duty when required. This opportunity offers a chance to be part of a dynamic hospitality company dedicated to operational excellence and employee development.